Blase J. Mathern, 81, Minot, died Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in a Minot hospital.

Blase was born April 4, 1930, in Napoleon, ND, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Wald) Mathern. He was raised and educated in country schools near Schell Buttes located southwest of Napoleon, ND.

Blase assisted his family on the farm until being drafted into the US Army on January 22, 1952. Following his honorable service he was discharged on January 12, 1954. He returned to the farmstead and was united in marriage to Josephine Heilman on October 19, 1954 in Bowdle, SD.

They made their home in Napoleon until moving to Minot in 1957. He was employed at Bridgeman Creamery as a field inspector for many years until his retirement in 1992.

Blase was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, where he was an alter server for many years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1150 and a past member of the Moose Lodge, all of Minot.

He was an experienced handyman and always willing to help others in need. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, ice fishing and 'tinkering' to fix things. Blase was blessed with a love for children, especially babies. His last smile was with Casey and his 3 month old daughter Shiloh while visiting him last Saturday. All these qualities will be deeply missed by all who shared in his honorable life.

His loving family includes loving wife of 56 years, Josephine, Minot; children, Marietta (Larry) Lemon, Minot, ND, Blase (Cathy) Mathern, Jr., Wellington, CO, Barry Mathern, Columbia Falls, MT, Brenda Mathern, Colorado Springs, CO and Lonny Mathern, Surrey, ND; grandchildren, Lance (Jennifer) Lemon, Alicia (Chad) Johnson, Casey (Tabitha Graham) Lemon, Joshua Mathern, Dwan Mathern, Tricia (Justin) White, Eli Mathern, Myles (Ciara) Mathern, Ian Mathern, Kali Mathern, Ben Mathern, Mindy Mathern; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Nicolini, Galt, CA, Dorothy (Wes) Hoopman, Bismarck, ND, Theresa Lachern, Williston, ND, Rose (Joe) Aberle, Linton, ND and Bernie (Leo) Vetter, Bismarck, ND; and brother, Joe (Elaine) Mathern, Bismarck, ND; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Blase was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Katherine Welder, Elizabeth Wald, Mary Eve Aberle and Maggie Vetter and brother, John Mathern, daughter-in-law, Chris Mathern and brother-in-law, Al Nicolini.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot, ND;
Recitation of the Rosary: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND;
Visitation: Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorials: Preferred to St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.